Cuir de Russie captures the essence of the wild and lavish Russia from 1920s. This perfume impresses and intrigues with its sensuality.

It opens with Tunisian orange blossom, Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian mandarin. Clear heart is formed of jasmine, oriental rose and ylang-ylang, constructed at the base of Albanian birch wood. Its leather notes are unusual for female fragrances.

It belongs to a luxurious collection Les Exclusifs de Chanel and is available in a 200 ml bottle. Les Exclusifs de Chanel Cuir de Russie was launched in 2007. The nose behind this fragrance is Ernest Beaux.

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Les Exclusifs de Chanel Cuir de Russie Fragrance Reviews

french_cactus

10/10 masterpiece. But the story was longer than this. I bought it wihtout really clear idea why, next weeks I regretted it, next months I regretted it. While in the meanwhile plounging myself into trying everything in the perfume industry. I put in on sale on Ebay, fortunartly at a greedy starting price and at a bad day, so nobody bought it.
And then... Two or three days in a raw I was wearing it.... A morning after I woke up and reallized -- nothing would ever stand next to this perfume. It is acid, smoky leathery fragrance at the beginning, but after 1 hour it is 70% marvelous and quite green jasmin with fleur d'orangier, while keeping being sophisticated. It is a clear cut Chanel, nobody who knows Chanel 5 would doubt that. It is yet unique in its kind and unforgettable. It makes you addicted. Just go over the first month of getting to know it. Like a coffee when you are a child -- bitter and strange, but once you get it, unreplaceable.

Jan 31 2015

abdooelfake

oh god that nice leather smell make me fall in love

Jan 13 2015

Henriette

OK. Give it time.
Cuir de Russie defies time and needs time to be loved.
At first I was less than enthusiast.
Buying Cuir de Russie without being enthusiast?

Was I crazy?

No, I am a Capricorn and usually I am prudent.
"Prudence is an ugly old maid courted by incapacity" says William Blake in his Proverbs of Hell.
Well, you do not have to be prudent with Cuir de Russie, but PATIENT.
If you do not love it immediately, do not surrender.
If it's not love at first sniff do not think you have an ordinary taste.
Allow yourself time and patience.
Yes, I am a Capricorn and Capricorns are patient.

Cuir de Russie is a masterpiece.
Wear it at your home on a lazy day, a lazy afternoon while sitting on a sofa reading a book (Anna Karenina would do, but also Madame Bovary or even Lady Chatterley).
Well, you will find yourself trasported in Wonderland.
Yes, like Alice through the looking glass.

Jan 13 2015

secamel

This aristocratic Chanel fragrance is my Perestroika. Geez. What a sad joke to describe a classic. Just try it and picture yourself dancing on the red square with Lenin.

Jan 11 2015

redhead_rachel89

I can't really articulate this perfume very well because I have an untrained nose. But Cuir de Russie was very fleeting and faded quickly, which gave me a sense of melancholia. Perhaps the concoction is missing something to my nose which gives it a feeling of sadness.

Nevertheless, this is buttery, high-quality leather, done in a simple and tasteful manner; very linear and the floral notes are clean and soapy-smelling on my skin. I can imagine a classy, well-mannered, wealthy lady who loves equestrian smelling of something like this. A lovely introduction into leather fragrances for me!

Cuir de Russie’s opening is very much typical of Chanel; crisp aldehydes, rose, ylang-ylang, iris and Grasse jasmine. The fragrance is soapy for the first hour with the orange blossom, and vetiver adding some ‘fizz’ to the florals, thereafter it evolves into a dry and sensuous leather powder. The dry down is complex and utterly luxurious. Here the finest leather, birch wood, vanilla and subtle tobacco meld to create a show-stopping scent reminiscent of buttery Hermès or Moynat leather goods. The rich smoky character of the leather on the dry down is lifted to ever soaring heights by the subtle florals, cool vetiver, and powdery orris in the background; together they create a fragrance that is definitively aristocratic.

Good enough that I’d be happy never to wear a leather fragrance other than this one!

Cuir de Russie is never floral-heavy despite its composition. Certainly a unisex fragrance although more a masculine scent than a feminine one. Suited to cool weather wear.

Longevity is moderate-long lasting, sillage is moderate.

10/10

Nov 07 2014

Germany

Cuir de Russi ( Russian Leather )

is one of my favorite les exclusives lately. I have reviewed it last September and still laugh to this day about my review but I have by no means changed my mind. I have read many reviews of this classic Beauty in the meantime and was glad to see that many feel similar about it indeed. The other day I came across this glorious review quote : "all I can say is poop , this stuff smells like poop , but in a really kind of good fascinating way . It's like the poop of some delicate animal who's only glazed apon a field of violets ,,,,".
Another reviewer on here said , quote ",,,,smells like horses washed in soap" .... So my reference to horse sh€t in my previous review isn't all that unusual .........

The fecal aspect of Cuir de Russi is what makes this scent so utterly gorgeous.
To me Cuir de Russi still smells like my uncles Horse Farm, fresh country air and iris soap , horse saddles and leather jackets, simply fascinating, warm captivating ,inviting and animalistic, with the great Chanel signature.

Oct 04 2014

frag-overdose

Utterly, Cuir de Russie is an elaborate, sensual leather fragrance from the Les Exclusifs line.

This evergreen classic starts with a beautiful burst of citrus with a delicate powdery vibe, and sooner the artfully blend of floral bouquet and musky leather tenderly embraces and lingers for hours. Does it smell sexy? Yes, indeed!

Being heavily exposed to immensely fresh, aquatic, and fruity-floral fragrances has provided the public on the idea, "that 'IS' how a fragrance should smell-like, and nothing else." To make it worst, it has become fossilized to many, especially the youth as anything different is easily detested.

For certain it is hard for Cuir de Russie to get the affection it deserves and most unlikely being a hit in the Malaysia market, for only a few would treasure and adore this pride of Chanel.

Sep 30 2014

theuntrainednose

Summary: On me, good leather, dark "bitter" sandalwood and smoke, androgynous or even masculine and classy at the same time. I like it, my family hates it.

Starts very dark and very leathery. Like a dark leather purse of good leather, those leathers that smell bitter and a little pungent but (for me) in a good way. Quite masculine, actually. As it dries, the most important note is sandalwood, and something smoky, maybe tar or smoke itself. Underneath it there's something sweet that balances it, but the full composition never becomes mostly sweet. If I had to describe it in one word: bitter. With more words: you are at a bar, at night, where smoking is permitted, wearing a good leather jacket, drinking bitter tonic water. The bar has old fragrant wood furniture and there's a sandalwood box nearby.

As it dries, like 22 Chanel (which is completely different), I detect a sharp metallic note which is unsettling. I do not know what it is, and while it is not unpleasant it makes the perfume become less mainstream leather and (in my opinion) more of a niche leather.

My brother also smells camphor, though I wasn't able to detect it.

I like it very much, though if I owned it I would only wear it at night (for a night out or for a very good night at home) as I don't see it being a mainstream people-pleasing fragrance.

Sep 27 2014

nero77

Soft, Subdued & Elegant...

Cuir de Russie is a beautiful leather fragrance. But it's a leather-orris combination. A "powdery leather" almost. I have tried leather fragrances with a more animalic leather note. This is a feminine, androgynous leather, rather than a very full, animalic one.

We know the story of Coco Chanel's affair with the Russian aristocrat and military officer. She captured the smell of his riding boots and leather gloves, his tobacco pipe, mixed with the rose, jasmine and ylang-ylang smell of her perfume (the scent of a love affair). It's a truly subdued but beautiful smell, a soft and understated type of elegance.

Basically to my nose what Cuir de Russie is to me, is simply a leather version of Chanel No. 5. In simple terms, it's Chanel No. 5 with added leather. You have the rose, iris, jasmine, ylang-ylang & aldehydes, but with a heavy dose of leather. A wonderful combination!

I get the leather and birch tar but it's a scented leather, with orris root and florals, and a hint of blond tobacco in the drydown. This could be worn by either a man or a woman (it's a favourite of Mick Jagger). It's a beautiful one, but it stays closest to the skin (the Eau de Toilette version) and it's almost like the leather used in saddlery.

I think the bottom line is, Chanel would never release something like this today, and if any other house did, it would be niche, probably charged at the same price. Again, Cuir de Russie may not be for everyone, as it takes the right look to pull off (on either a man or a woman). I'm impressed with it, and I would certainly feel comfortable wearing it. Beautiful, elegant stuff! The so called "Rolls-Royce" use of leather in perfume.

Sep 25 2014

diamondsr4ever

I have been testing this today and whilst I appreciate it is a 'les exclusifs' all I have been able to detect is leather and tobacco.
I don't even get any ylang-ylang or birch. Leather and tobacco top to bottom. With the tobacco taking a larger amount of space than the leather.
It's not a 'rough' leather on me. But it's not mellow either. There is something oriental in there but it's barely discernible.
Sillage is not demonstrable and longevity, well it's been just over an hour and I'm having difficulty picking out much at all.
Perhaps another scenario when it's colder/darker it may be worth trying again, but for now it's going back into the drawer.
Aldehydes, yes that's what I'm getting. I recognise it now.

Sep 23 2014

little elf

Wowza. I can appreciate a good leather fragrance, but most of them aim to recreate the most life-like leather possible, and while that's not a bad thing and I love the smell of a great leather jacket, do I want to smell like one myself? This though- this is so classy and feminine while still having leather as the most prominent note, not just hiding somewhere in the background or paired up with flowers. How do you do it, Chanel?! This perfume almost makes me want it to get cold here faster (well, it's already in the 50s, so perhaps I should be careful what I wish for) because it is such a perfect winter scent. It's really more of an aura than a perfume. Warm, cozy, and expensive.

Sep 19 2014

Henriette

I have been testing wrist to wrist Cuir de Lancome and Chanel Cuir de Russie.
This is my impression:
the opening of CdL is more subdued, more leathery, sweeter where CdR is sharper. I detect no flowers in any of the two.
CdL develops in a subtler way while CdR seems a rollecoaster ride, more exciting, more faceted. CdL is quieter and in the drydown much more feminine than CdR.
All through its way I can sense no jasmine, no orris, no rose, no flowers at all in CdR while I can feel a very elegant way through expensive materials and a surely very alluring smell. It stays very close to the skin and when completely melts with you, the scent is one of the Seven Wonders of this world.
CdL is much like CdR not in the way the two smells but more in the elegance, the old money feeling it gives you when wearing it.
Definitely I would tend to be of opinion that were CdL much more expensive (the way CdR is) it would be regarded as its Chanel mate by collectors and opinioners worldwide.
Cuir de Russie is a monument in perfumery and very rightly so, but in my very humble opinion I think that Cuir de Lancome should not be disregarded in haste. All the contrary. It would rightly deserve a monument as well.
(For a more detailed review of Cuir de Lancome see my other review on its page).

Sep 18 2014

asher.jessie

I honestly don't get much of a leather accord here.. and that's certainly the point, because this fragrance was meant to merely EVOKE the idea of leather by means of florals and aldehydes.

The opening is VERY Chanel and very classic.. bright, fresh aldehydes, and a sweet but sultry birch cola note (Yes, that's a thing. I promise.. it's reminiscent of root beer, but slightly more tangy).

As it settles, it's all about the ylang, tobacco, and rose notes.. which are overall, pretty sweet. But there's still an underlying sharp note that reminds me of patchouli or anise. This is what reminds on the skin after the top notes and heart notes fade away.

All in all, it's a bit disappointing because I had expected more of a buttery leather sort of smell. It's almost a COMPLETE dead ringer for Van Cleef and Arpels' First, since it's a burst of aldehydes and flowers.

Sep 12 2014

Maison71

Anyone who really wants to smell like a million dollars should be wearing Cuir de Russie, not something by Paco Rabanne. This fragrance exudes class, wealth, and taste (provided you don't overdose on it). The iris makes it a little too sweet for me (though I'm not sure any leather-centered fragrance would be right on me). But on the right person, it's a very beautiful, powerful fragrance, equally at home on a man or a woman. Very moderate sillage and impressive longevity on my scent-eating skin.

Aug 14 2014

Liamsardea

Every so often when preparing for my next fragrance review I have a wild and obsessive tendency to hammer down and scour the internet for histories; notes and other people’s reactions for a particular fragrance because doing so often prepares you to gauge and uncover more of a fragrance than merely smelling it prima facie. Through this you inevitably uncover a richer and more artful composition with the beautiful aspect of ethos through age and time.

It also occurs, every so often, that certain reviewers find themselves so enthralled in the majestic delights of a particular smell; the nobility of veneration; or purely just the magnificent story of a fragrance’s conception and theology (a kind of fragrant metaphysics). After all, as I tacitly stated in my very first blog post:

Fragrance is the art of capturing scent. Those artists or ‘noses’, follow the trajectory of memory; they are masterful translators.

I am now one of those awe-inspired, jelly at the knees reviewers.

Cuir de Russie fits the bill perfectly in every appropriate category it belongs in. This liquid tells an entire story; a history book of escapades, the interception of masculinity and femininity, yesteryear restriction and scandalous shun and surmountable provocatives. Cuir de Russie seems temporally displaced also for the then Chanel of 1924, it’s not bouncy, flouncy, floral-heavy or diffident, but rather animalic, leathery and luxurious. It marks the transition of attitude in perfume, the attitudes regarding smoking (and tobacco as an ingredient) and a shift in overall dogmatic codes of conduct.

Woods for women? Birch? Tobacco? Preposterous.

A musky sexiness, tantalising leather and ecstatic woods combine to create the best leather perfume I have ever smelt.

We begin with a Chanel opening, the paradigm. Icy aldehydes and the Chanel accord of rose, ylang-ylang, iris and delicate jasmine. It’s crisp only for a brief moment but it envelops rapidly into a dry and dusty leather powder, fully dark and animalic; hubristic and filled to the brim with a primal, carnal desire thanks to the leather. It is the powdery iris and orris root that keeps this chaste; barely.

In the first half an hour the fragrance is soapy with a hint of effervescence; the florals, vetiver and orange blossom ‘lift’ the fragrance into the mild effervescent state; but this fades into something greater.

And then we reach the pièce de résistance (à la drydown) , the showstopping combination of super high quality leather, rectified birch tar (va-va-voom!), toasty birch wood and but a delicate caress of tobacco. Just divine. One of the nicest and most comfortable smells you can recreate. The woodsy character of birch tantalised with the heavier heart is incredibly complex and superbly crafted. It smells like the rich leather of garments and in a sense, evokes the feeling of supple, buttery leather or reaching into a used leather purse that holds fine cigarettes.

"The Russian influence at the heart of Mademoiselle’s creations was born from her encounter with the Grand Duke Dimitri, cousin of Tsar Nicholas II. Cuir de Russie, launched in 1927, is the fragrance of wild cavalcades, wafts of Blond Tobacco and the smell of the boots tanned with Birch Bark worn by the Russian Soliders."

I like this because the leather is toned down just enough to not forfeit it’s right to be the main player – but just enough to emanate other smells that could have been lost in the foray. You get a smokey rich character from the leather, but this is reconfigured with florals in the far, far background to allow the base notes to shine and a touch of vetiver for cool greenness.

Orris root is definitely not forgotten, as a pleasant powder note lingers perpetually. You just get this perfect angelic, paramount quality leather that reduces those with a real knack for fragrances into tears.

Imperative.5/5

Aug 09 2014

leschoux

Whoa. Cuir de Russie. Just whoa.

I had the chance to sample this today and needless to say, it was pleasurable to get a sniff of this. If Cuir de Russie was created to be provocative, whoever intended it to be like that seriously succeeded.

First whiff was leathery as expected, but not overwhelming at all. Smooth. Almost silky, even. Very comforting smell. Then not long after, the smoked woody scents kicked in. It took me by surprise but didn't scare me away. More sniffs and it turned very, very dry...the smoke was definitely there. Then it settled into a very mellow leathery, smoky, rather flowery scent. Very surprising combination. Very polarising, I imagine. Very Chanel, definitely.

Overall, I'm not too sure how I'd describe this but one thing: it's lovely. It's jarring. It's confusing. It's provocative. Definitely not an everyday perfume and definitely not everyone can pull this off. I love it, though. All the perfumes in the Les Exclusifs are excellent in their own ways, and Cuir de Russie is no exception. If you love leathery scents you will LOVE this. If you love Chanel, chances are you will love this too. Too bad this comes with a hefty price tag...even heftier than the already hefty price tags usually attached to Chanel perfumes. Still worth it, though. Love, love, love Cuir de Russie. Timeless, elegant, independent and controversial. Because they do say that a well-behaved woman rarely makes history.

Rating: 9/10

Jul 20 2014

charles_carmichael

This is the alpha and the omega of leather scents. In its current incarnation, it is largely a floral scent - but one which masterfully creates the image of tanned hides and green fields. In fact, I'm not even sure if it should be treated as a leather-dominated scent. Hell, I'm not sure what to call it.

Bottom line - this is exquisite. There is no other fragrance quite like it. I like Knize Ten, I like Cuir Velours, I like Cuir Ottoman. But this is the only "leather" fragrance that I really love.

One might argue that the true measure of a parfumier is the ability to faithfully recreate a smell or a smell memory using unrelated or even random materials. That's exactly what Jacques Polge (via Ernest Beaux) has done here - he has created the illusion of fine leather using a mad scientist combination of floral and woody notes. Even if you wear it only a few times a year, this one belongs in your collection.

Jul 16 2014

ynde

Beautiful, just beautiful. I tested both the EDT and the Parfum version and actually prefer the EDT. The EDT is reminiscent of No 5 in the opening, with the aldehydes and florals playing a central role, but quickly becomes a deep, warm, well rounded leathery scent, with a hint of soapiness and remains that way until the dry down, when the birch and more florals make an appearance to tame the leather, though it still remains present.

In contrast, the parfum starts off with that leather kick, but then becomes linear on me and smells like the drydown of the EDT, while my favourite stage is the middle notes. Longevity of both is outstanding, I could still smell the EDT on my skin 12 hours later and is present on card up to 72 hours later! Wears close to the skin with slight but not overwhelming projection, which I prefer.

I can imagine this being worn either casually or formally, it's such a classy but not overly sophisticated or pretentious scent, and it'll definitely be one I reach for often.

Jul 13 2014

serchina

One of the best leather based fragrances I have ever experienced. This is a casual lady wearing a pair of jeans, but has an elegance on her own.
A delicate leather perfectly balanced with a touch of slightly soft flowers and musk as an undertone with smoky texture.
Too bad, it doesnt project more than 10 minutes on my skin. Otherwise, this would be my perfect leather scent.

Jul 13 2014

Kenni

Light leather. Like a white leather purse. This is a leather scent for a shirt or t-shirt. No suit and tie smell. However, i really love CDR. Like walking into a flower shop with a leather purse under your nose, and on your shoes you have some manure. On a playful night, this is a great scent.

Jun 13 2014

Allan R

As beautiful as it is difficult to wear. Everytime I put it on, I change my opinion about it.

Some days it's the most beautiful leather scent I've experienced.

Other days I detect something baby-powdery (a side-effect of the iris perhaps).

Some days I think I must smell like the fanciest guy in town.

Other days, I just can't remove my nose from my wrists.

A very interesting one to own, but I'm still confused about what the right circumstances are for wearing it. Certainly not for the office. I wear it when I'm by myself mostly.

Jun 11 2014

Briarthorn

The leather dominates the opening but I get some ylang-ylang too. It's pretty soapy in the opening as well but after it warms up the soapiness fades. I get more musk at this point and something else behind the leather I can't quite name. the oriental notes perhaps? The drydown has a lot of tobacco and Birch with the leather. I love it. There is an artistry here that is very complex with a lot of depth. This also lasts forever for an edt but is sits a bit close to the skin.

Jun 03 2014

yourfriendmarito

I immediately thought about Royal Delight from Creed when I tried this the first time. It has an unpleasant horse smell on my skin. This is highly unpleasant and could not be wore socially. I am a Chanel lover but this one is a definite pass.

May 26 2014

fuggerone

imagine a milder more floral version of Knize Ten minus the gasoline vibe, rather elegant maybe on the feminine side but good for males looking for that "kinky"vibe!

May 11 2014

Krupp

Chanel Cuir de Russie is again one of those Chanel goodies: Elegant, timeless and giving the user a feeling of participating in a cocktail party in a expensive parisian hotel with lots of black suites, dresses, pearl necklaces, champagne, subdued piano and a smell of money.

But the perfume is like a firework - lovely in a very short time, and after that nothing! What went wrong with its longevity?? Approx. 3 hours, and I am back to the normal world again :-( I will not buy a full bottle. Sad, but true...

May 02 2014

Thomasania

I bought a decant of this from Surrender to Chance and while it is a beautiful scent I have to say it had no sillage whatsoever on my skin. I thought it was just me, but I ask my sister to sniff and she said she could only faintly detect any scent at all. I know lots of people report that this has good sillage and longevity, but for me it does not. I am an over sprayer too, so I feel like it was not for lack of trying.
Due to the price of this one, I do recommend testing it before buying.
I do own Cuir de Lancôme and others state they are similar - the Lancôme had excellent sillage on longevity on my skin so I guess I will stick to this one.

Apr 18 2014

ParfumFetiche

This review is based on a tiny decant. Opening reminds me of Guerlain's MdM with a hint of birch tar. I also get the same indolic jasmine note in this, which fortunately fades away few mins later. Once it moves into mid development, birch tar starts to take center stage supported by floral notes. It later dries down to just musky scent. Below average projection and moderate longevity on my skin.

Mar 24 2014

Eos

After several full wearings of Cuir de Russie, I can honestly say that on my skin this is an uncannily realistic facsimile of the scent of the inside of my grandmother's purse! It is the smell of an expensive and well-made soft leather handbag that contains an old fashioned powder compact, lipsticks, a small bottle of a dusky-animalic jasmine perfume, band-aids, a medicated lip balm and misc yellowing pieces of paper.

While I LOVE the way Cuir de Russie smells, I'm not sure when I would want to smell like this in public. To my mind and my nose, its more of an intimate, nostalgic scent. It is certainly plush but also vaguely melancholy. I will cherish my decant but I don't need a full bottle.

Mar 21 2014

Michael1962

Very soft and buttery leather,almost suede like in composition and as far removed from say Tom Ford Tuscan Leather as is humanly possible.Almost like Lutens Daim Blonde but stripped of the subtle apricot accord.
Like Bel Respiro,its very soapy on my skin and I fully appreciate the Cussons Imperial Leather comparisons.
Cannot detect any other notes,like rose and jasmine.
All I'm getting is a clean soapy and aromatic leather note,nothing more nothing less.
Like my review of Bel Respiro it would smell great on the right skin. Maybe my nose is expecting too much or too used to more masculine leather notes like Tuscan or Dior Leather Oud.
No doubt its a well composed and classy offering and something you would expect from Chanel but its not quite what I'm looking for.

Dec 23 2013

TeaforTwo

I would like to bathe in this stuff, it is that good. Every once in a while throughout the day it astonishes me: I catch up myself thinking, 'What is it that smells so good?' Such a pleasure to realize that it's me! The softest leather, the most sophisticated smoke, the noblest flowers.

Dec 18 2013

HORRIDFRAG

intoxicating!
you will jez get addicted
to the beautiful
floral and leather
scent!

Nov 08 2013

Germany

Most interesting scent! In fact this beauty smells like a horse farm and therefore of leather and horses. Unbelievable. Highly recommend this perfume for people that like horses and leather and the outdoors.
My husband thinks it smells of horse s**t which is true but its real good horse s**t ,,,,
He won't let me buy it but I love it!!!

Update... This might be my winter purchase. You can't always listen to you husband !

Sep 13 2013

Hélio Sérgio Rocha

A rich and luxurious leather with flowery and powdery notes!!!

First time i did not like it and thought was too formal and hard to wear.

Now, i can say it is an amazing scent, not so easy to wear daily nor on summers, but at weddings, formal parties, etc.

"Très Chic", here we have a definition for this floral/animalic/leather fragrance.

Take a chance to try and feel free to tell us about it.
It is risky but sometimes it's worth it.

Will work better on winters or at night.

:)

Aug 17 2013

Nataja

I am sure many of you have seen the Film "The Others" ? This is Nicole Kidman in that movie...Perfectionist,sexy,souveraign,and high on class but very motherly warm at the same moment.You smell the fire place burning in the backround. Normally I would say Nicole Kidman has the look more of a Prada model with the cold blue eyes and grace of a Russian ballerina.But Ithink she fits perfectly here along with the costumes-GORGEOUS!!!

Jun 27 2013

wesleyhclark

What a disappointment this was!

I was prepared to like it based on my reading about it, but when I finally tried it on my arm I was put off by how thoroughly feminine and flowery the top notes are. It takes about a half hour for it to dry to the basenotes, which remind me powerfully of Estee Lauder Azuree Pure. (Which is, by the way, $44 at Macy's.)

Sadly, this is almost gone off my arm in about an hour - the same cannot be said for the Lauder product, which lasts for hours and hours.

I'd wear the Estee Lauder product except that it smells just a little too feminine. (My wife disagrees.) But it's way more butch than this is!

I suspect my desire for a quality leather fragrance will result in the purchase of a bottle of Hermes Bel Ami.

Jun 23 2013

Sanveann

For me, this went on VERY smoky and then dried down to a warm leather scent -- like an old, buttery-soft jacket or pair of riding boots. It's one of my husband's favorites so far. (It would also be amazing on a man, IMHO.)

Cuir de Russie is unabashedly sexy, in a very grown-up and slightly kinky way. I love it, but I don't know if I could ever make it my signature fragrance, because it's not something I could ever imagine wearing to PTA meetings or Grandma's house for Thanksgiving dinner. For me, it's almost the scent equivalent of boudoir photos of yourself -- something exciting to share with your significant other, but not for the general public.

Jun 16 2013

cunny2009

I purchased my first Cuir de Russie yesterday and I am in love! It is a masterpiece of perfumery and Ernest Beaux is a genius.
The fragrance is like pulling on a buttery soft leather jacket trimmed in plush lambs wool, so comforting and reassuring.
Wore it for the first time this morning and had compliments from the guy in the corner store, the girls in the bakery and the lady at the coffee shop. Definitely money well spent; I only regret not buying the 200ml now!
I have consistently worn the fragrance throughout our winter and it brings to mind the scent of a warm, hay strewn stable with the saddle and tack hung quietly in a corner but I recently wore it on one of our more hot Spring days and the fragrance warmed beautifully with the day but toward the end of the day I was strongly reminded of the smell of hot leather and sweaty racehorses pacing after a sprint. Not a bad smell but certainly completely different from the scent when worn in Winter.

Absolutely love this fragrance and wouldn't at all be surprised if it quickly becomes my signature!

May 20 2013

sablebombe

This is really what I would have thought Chanel 5 should have smelled like! Perfection, perfection, perfection! On me it begins with a dark leather and jasmine note (I cannot usually wear jasmine at all but in this concoction I can!).

The soft and gentleness of the leather almost reminds me of suede rather than a leather! The flowers blend beautifully into a fragrance that just delights me!

On the drydown I get a good caramel scent - not overly sweet but just enough.

On my skin Cuir de Russie is just a pleasure to wear!

Now I am drying to try the classic version!

Apr 27 2013

PricklyAndHot

Despite after Bandit by Robert Piguet or even Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford this leather fragrance seems too quiet and not leathery enough, I can say that it's good and noble enough.

But I'm can't say that Cuir de Russie makes a huge impressian on my Russian nose:) I would choose Tuscan Leather as a leather scent.

Apr 19 2013

sablebombe

Thank the living daylights I got a sample and saved myself a whole lot of cash! Sillage poor, longevity - medium!

Saddest thing is that Jasmine (unless it is the BEST) projects up my nose like 'cat pee' and I am getting that scent now! I expected something sexy and leathery - instead I got aldehydes, cat-pee and iris! Yes, there is some leather but not classy enough for me - or deep enough to call this Russian Leather!! (Mongolian leather maybe - if you know the history there !!!)

I see wads of prose written and this perfume lauded over - and why? Because it is Chanel and because it is old? I suspect the original composition smelt far better back in the days before the aldehydes!

Reminds me way to much of No.5 - and I can't stand that either - still I have the 4ml snifter - I suspect if I hand it down it will be worth even more when the frag is changed again!

Apr 10 2013

Smelly beast

Cuir de Russie Parfum

Cuir de Russie is a masterpiece, and quoting another fellow reviewer from basenotes (of-scenter), it belongs to my pantheon of leathers. Its so beautifully done, the overdose of iris, the smoky birch tar with the citrus in the opening creating a sour animalic aura, its very dark and luxurious at the same time. An image that comes to my mind is Coco wearing a black patent leather cape over a white satin gown or even the famous Helmut Newton photo in witch the model is wearing a Couture Saint Laurent tuxedo.

Beaux and Coco managed to capture the essence of the feminist movement and the free spirit of the contemporary woman, that is, the duality of femininity and amazone fighter. I can see the working girl that uses seduction as a weapon, the dominatrix controlling her male slave and even house wives that knows how to convince their husbands to do what they want. The strange thing its that its is so classical and modern at the same time, i think thats why it reminds me of Yves and Helmut Newton, the erotic gender bender game, women dressing as men, women taking control over their desires and taking care of their lives. I fell like it represents Coco's own personal way of life, financially independent but emotionally dependent of her lovers at the same time.

CdR is a very feminine fragrance and you can smell that because its full of flowers but then again its so masculine, the flowers are very animalic, the birch is incredibly smokey and improper for a women and I think thats what makes this fragrance so grand and important. Its full of contradictions, its very personal, not the type of fragrance you would wear to attract someone but rather to satisfy your own desire. This fragrance and nº19 to me represents much more then nº5 whats Chanel is all about but unfortunately they doesn't get the attention they should specially Cuir de Russie...

5 out of 5

Mar 20 2013

Muzoona

very shalimar !! is it me only think about that ??

Mar 09 2013

canadianpetite

Cuir de Russie, to me, is leather and jasmine with woods. Not what I would usually go for but I find it delicious. My husband may not find this sexy but there is something comforting about this scent. It may be the vanilla that lingers at the end of each sniff. I find it softer than Coromandel. I can also detect the sweet tobacco note -- not strong at all. Together, if I don't separate the notes, it is like powder. This won't win any awards for sweetness but I don't mind. I enjoy the whole scent -- classy, unique and elegant. One reviewer mentioned Catherine Deneuve and I agree. I want this for its elegance. Toss up between Cuir de Russie and 31 Rue Cambon.

For at once with the St Petersburg splendour of Empire so comes its underbelly. The Caucuses, the conquered kingdoms of Mohammedans, Cossacks and Stans.

There is something of the souk: cardamon perhaps, the charcoal burner of the water pipe and its sweet and flavoured tobacco, a slow cooking stew of meats and fruits and spices.

Yet, through the bazzar of boots and belts and bags, specially cured to disguise from whence they came. Beyond the army supplier's oleaginous smiles and eternal deals, without the Medina's walls: here resides the truth.

Our officer raises a pomade of flowers and bergamot to the nose, hoping hopelessly to ward off the evil and the smells. Spinning on sculpted heal, turning a back on reality. An old pipe is lit with french tobacco and our soldier departs in search of sex, sollace and forgetfulness.

As with every aristocrat of a declining Empire, our officer is open to offers from either man or woman - at the right price.

The mercenary promises to love no one. When present the presence is intense and enveloping as a lover's close embrace. Alas, it is gone too soon leaving only absence and the heart to yearn through the longeur to its return.

Cuir de Russie is the angular officer of the Tsar's cavalry mounted on the back of a black thoroughbred horse that every man and every woman wants to be or be with.

Dec 06 2012

arxsyn

In the opening there is a strong pronounced leather and sandalwood soap. Seriously, reminds me of the kind my chinese grandma kept in her drawers to scent clothes. Very inexpensive. Still available today, comes prettily wrapped in colorful paper with signature flowery sandalwood scent.

Though this eau may not contain actual sandalwood it smells like it to me.
This smooth, soapy, woody (cada wood and balsam) flower accord is creamy and develops a light dusting of sweet powder. Subtle wafts of incense appear. The leather gets soft and intimate as genuine glove leather does. Suede in particular.

Luxurious, soft, refined, intimate oriental floral leather eau.
Very nice would love to buy this at some point.

Dec 06 2012

aleksylvester

Perfume "cuir" always has something specific, something sensuel in itself! "Cuir de Russie" is ideal for the sophisticated lady and for the elegant gentelman - really unisex.

Unfortunately the longevity is poor...but it is possible to buy a real parfum concentré

Dec 03 2012

ION

"Cuir de Russie" is the typical example of a perfume which everyone admits is good, only because it is not bad (with the prerequisites of the big nose and the big company behind it, fulfilled).
Nothing more to say here, just don't order it without first sampling it, as I find the comments below a bit exaggerated.
Longevity and sillage not brilliant, either.

Nov 26 2012

kxnaiades

Warning, PG18 ahead. Ok, I am risking getting stoned for this but here goes, this smells of sex! Wild, animalistic, no-holds and no-frills sex like what Samantha has in Sex & The City. First blast I smell sourish sweat (in a good way, not BO) mixed with tanned hides. As it dries down the sourness of it calms down and the light florals dance their way into this smoky, erotic, narcotic scent. (I really wonder how far Ernest Beaux researched into getting "the essence of Chanel's affair with the Grand Duke")- it's almost as if someone bottled their bedsheets, carpets and wherever else their amour took them. This never becomes floral or sweet, it stays firmly in the Oriental-Woody for me. This is not an obnoxious leather scent for those who are wary of leather notes like I am, having once tried a Serge Lutens one that made me think of leather couches and turned me off forever. I have to say THIS is the scent that has changed the way I look at Chanel forever, although having had or tried many others in the range, none have knocked the socks off me the way this one has. This is an EDT but it lasts forever. Sillage remains close to body. I have to excuse myself now as my fevered brain goes into overdrive. To Russia and decadent sex, with love!

Nov 11 2012

rickyrebarco

This is the most glorious beautiful leather scent I have ever met. It is so beautiful on skin and the balance of the leather and the florals and the gorgeous musky woody drydown is like honey on leather.

I see a fine gentleman all dressed up in his leather equestrian gear, smelling like the finest leather and a softly spicy floral cologne. He tries to finish his toast and honey before he goes off to the early morning hunt but he spills a drop of honey on his finely polished boots. "Oh, darling I'll take care of it," says his lovely wife, still in her morning deshabille. She leans over, scoops the trail of honey with her finger and then puts it in her mouth. "Hmm, leather and honey. Maybe I'll have that on my toast tomorrow," she says with an impish smile as she kisses him and hands him his tophat and riding crop. Cuir de Russie, the dream-maker!

Oct 28 2012

kit1982

Cuir de Russie Parfum starts with a sweet warm floral leather smell, after few minutes the leather becomes more prominent turning the whole scent into a powdery leather beauty. It stays more 8 hours on clothes, on skin about 4 to 6 hours.

Classic yet still very modern. Clean and dirty at the same time. For both men and women, old and young, and everyone in between.

"Leather Perfection"

All should try this!

Oct 12 2012

lovesupreme

Les Magnifique, C'est Magnifique , Nous Magnifique, Vous Magnifique..Tojour Magnifique...lost of french words for now ; classic iconoclaste leather masterpiece! period - if you are a smoker; this will smoke you.

Oct 07 2012

lovingthealien

Brutally beautiful.

Sep 11 2012

guido2663

I cannot find another leather fragrance with a greater appeal so that can hardly compete with it, even the most recent versions are still top of the list.

The vintage formula was just a rain of paradise!

Womderful even on women.

Aug 31 2012

Alfredo86

This review is for the EDT (which I like better than the extrait: better smell, longevity, power and sillage).

I love this perfume. It opens with an amazingly sharp blast of acid notes that slowly settles down to reveal a beautiful equestrian leather with flowers in the background (namely the signature Chanel jasmine, rose and ylang ylang). I call it equestrian because I actually get hay, a leather saddle in the front, horse and... I'll say it, horsesh*t. However, the composition is so perfectly balanced that it plays with these animalic pestilent notes making them beautiful with the aid of the flowers and a little wood and tobacco, with hints of citric notes showing up every now and then. I never thought that the smell of a stable could become my second favorite perfume ever (surpassed only by vintage Narcisse Noir), but Chanel has proven me wrong. As the hours go by, the leather becomes more and more prominent, yet it still allows the rest of the heart notes to play around under its supervision. Many people seem to fin it sweet: on my skin it's nothing of the sort: the sourness of the flowers is revealed, thanks to the other notes that prevent their sweetness to come to play. As it dries down, it's like the stable had caught fire and it was burning in front of me. Im left with a beautiful, smoldering bonfire that goes on on my skin for hours and hours. I can almost feel the fire crackling. I only have so many words to describe how beautiful this is.

On my skin, Cuir de Russie has crazy sillage and longevity, more so than the parfum. I get compliments all the time when I wear it. But, most importantly, I cannot stop sniffing my hand.

Cuir de Russie is a masterpiece, and to me, the best Chanel ever (followed not too closely by the original Coco). This is a horse ride, followed by a moment of passion through the hay of a stable. The lovers have left their inprint in the stable (the woman's flowery perfume, say Chanel no 5, their strong cigarette after sex, their sweat...). As a result, the stable now has a characteristic smell: it's Cuir de Russie.

Aug 10 2012

glitterlust

Indolic, animalic, jasmine, soap, stables and saddles. This is beautifully equestrian, softly spoken leather and so far the sillage is intense and holding well.

It has next to nothing in common with Cuir de Lancome on my skin I would say it has more in common with Joy.

Jul 19 2012

LANIER

Paris 1921. Dawn. The snow was falling outside. It was a white coverlet that blanketed the Place Vendome like a soft wet whisper. Coco stretched and smiled eyes still closed. She rolled over in the bed and opened one eye. In the cool steel grey light the Grand Duke was still asleep. The beautiful Russian’s scent had permeated Coco’s bed. She breathed in the aroma of tobacco, it mingled with his musky sexiness. He was delicious.

She sat up in the bed and looked around the boudoir pulled her knees up to her chin and hugged them. A new lover; what could be more perfect this winter? She gathered the mink throw about her naked shoulders and arose like a sylph to ring for breakfast. As she passed a bouquet of African orange blossoms, roses and jasmine on the vanity she noticed how lovely the scent was as it mingled with the trail of musky masculinity that followed her progress from the bed. It hovered near her cheek daring her to kiss the air.

Once breakfast was ordered she turned to enter the bathroom and a glint of light from the foot of the bed snatched at the corner of her eye. The Duke’s gorgeous noir leather boots were there where he had dropped them the night before, one upright the other having fallen over on its side. Coco swept one up in her arms and held it like the most precious thing. The strong masterly fragrance of fine Russian leather embraced her. The room seemed to be swimming in leather and tobacco and some faint spices from the Orient that emanated from one of her perfume bottles. “Odeur incroyable, merveilleux rêve…” she whispered softly. She dropped the boot and fell back into bed with him. She squinted and studied his profile. Then playfully she ran her finger along his imperial Russian forehead over his nose and lips down to his chin. “Wake up Cheri! I have an idea.”

That Idea became Cuir De Russie by Chanel inspired by her brief love affair with a Romanoff on the run, the Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich. Created in 1924 by master nose of the house of Chanel, Ernest Beaux this fragrance is a masterpiece of the leather perfume group.

It opens like a rich silver box lined with plush maroon velvet. It is well-appointed and sumptuous in the smoothness of its first notes of African orange blossom and mandarin orange. These citrus accords are only momentary and they sink back to reveal the heart of jasmine, rose and ylang ylang supported by incredible spice. This all sounds very feminine and lovely but the over riding structure and genius of this fragrance is the persistence of the rich smooth polish of a great leather note. It is there from beginning to end. This leather blends in with the rose and jasmine to create a dominating masculine presence that somehow is not pushy but rather intuitive and clever. It is a seduction of insinuation that is in the end irresistible. It smells of a clean wonderful athletic body that isn’t intimidated by rough roughish edginess that comes with the musk. The dry down is clean as the birch wood note enters along with a taste of tobacco and bergamot. The projection is substantial and it lasts around six to eight hours. Cuir de Russie is most definitely for both men and women.

Plane and simply put it is a magnificent scent. Cuir de Russie by Chanel Les Exclusifs is a classic from arguably one of the best noses ever to have lived. Legendary, iconic and timeless and as modern today as it was when it was introduced 88 years ago.

FIVE PLATIUM CAMILIAS *****

Jul 06 2012

ThatMakesScents

This is the big tease. The beauty that glances at you but then suddenly recants on the idea.

Take the beautiful leather found in Knize 10 take away the chemical leather treater smell add iris and a few other gentle florals and you have Cuir De Russie.

This is so sexy so proper yet so bad ass ! The problem is sillage and longevity. There is hardly any projection from this fragrance. Even as a skin scent you would need to apply and reapply then apply again within a few minutes. So why own it ?

Bought it as an impulse buy and all it has brought me is heartache !

This experience has made me determined to find a good leather fragrance.

Jun 11 2012

maab

This leather masterpiece was made in heaven!

Jun 10 2012

jesseyanne

This is the white floral I have always craved. Light white florals -not too heady, deeply grounded with with woods and strengthened by twirling leather strands, and a little of that special Chanel powder.

As I first smelled this on my wrist I wanted to run from this fragrance. There is nothing to really run from. I smelled it again, and thought maybe I could find a guy who could wear it. I washed it off before the top notes unfolded. Mistake. This fragrance is made for a real woman, and therefore takes some time to get to know.

A few weeks later I got restless for adventure, so I checked my account and calender for opportunities to travel. No can do. Wistful, I remembered this scent. I ran to the counter and tried this on again. Adventure at last.

Ladies, if you put this on while your man is gone for the day, I think he will surely come back and ask you "Where have you been today?" just a little envious and hoping you will show him where you got all that mystery.

May 30 2012

jgirgar

Wow, this is a fabulous fragrance. I'm a man and I love wearing this. I guess the connotation of leather and men go together somehow. It's rich and long lasting and projects nicely. Delve in and wear this while dressing up, running errands or an evening wear before going to bed. What is it about wearing Chanel at bedtime? The magnetic cap is fantastic. JG 022012

Mar 29 2012

blueberry

Being used to rather harsh, bold and daring leather fragrances, I must admit it was a genuine pleasure to encounter a soft and delicate leather scent for a change. This one is for sure refined and smoothened to the maximum.
I get lots of leather and jasmine at the background, which altogether make a kind of mild yet slighltly nauseating and animalic smell. It is both alluring and somehow distancing at the same time.
Sillage is pretty low on me as Cuir de Russie is definitely a close to the skin and intimate concoction, but longevity is excellent for such a delicate scent - about 10 hrs.
All in all, a really nice experience, but I guess will stick to my "crass" leathers, also because of the price!

Feb 21 2012

stelladoro

On me, this Chanel is so different than as described. The initial notes are just slightly leathery, the middle notes are smooth and buttery and what really surprises me - the drydown stays on my skin forever. And it's sweet! Not cloyingly sweet, but sweetly tempting enough that I'm wondering 12 hours later, what smells so delightfully sweet and warm? It lasts forever on me, the sillage is excellent and I am saving up for a full bottle. I've gone through one sample and I know the second won't last long.

Cuir de Lancome, which I was prepared to love, is another story. On me it's loud and fractious, the drydown is a little better and the sillage is good, but I'll only be wearing it when I'm a little too mellow (or sleepy)- to smack me awake.

For me there is nothing in the Chanel that even hints of the smell of horse manure, or a barn, and I grew up on a farm and enjoyed ample contact with horses, cattle, rabbits, chickens, ducks and geese, both feeding and cleaning cages and stalls. Perhaps the Chanel appeals to me because I love the scent of a hay or horse barn and the smell of newly hatched fowl?

Fragrance is memory, and memory is mystery.

Jan 09 2012

iivanita

This smells like horses washed in a soap, it becomes better scent after 2 hours, recommend trying before buying this cant appeal to everyone, i have noticed parfumes with oak moss and leather can be stinky to half the people some like it and some cant stand it. I like leather scent like kely caleche very much although first 2 days i thought its not a nice smell at all. But this here is just too much animalic and horseslike,although it gets better with time
And yes this could be for men too!
and yes i can imagine this is like russia smelt at the begining of 19th century :)it does smell luxurious after several hours..and not after horses...and stays 12 hours!! the longest from all les exclusifs....

Jan 07 2012

Christy2198

I am so impressed with this sent. Until now, I have not found a chanel that I could love. I also never thought a leather sent would work for me either. I dont really smell but a slight hint of leather. Lovely. Simply lovely. A must add to my collection.

Edit. I finally purchaced this fragrance. So glad I did. I moved to the chicago area from the warm south. Ive had trouble adjusting to the cold. This fragrance will help keep me warm over the cold winter nights.

Aug 27 2011

thatbrownelf

As much as leather is one of my favorite scents, of the (limited, I admit)leather-featured scents I've tried most have gone into plasticky-PVC-bondage leather rather than butter-soft leather gloves passed down from a chic female relative. Cuir de Russie, however, was love at first sniff. It opens with a dirty animalic note that's borderline fecal, but the soft, creamy, spicy florals seep in and smooth out this animal's shaggy fur until Cuir de Russie becomes this heart-achingly beautiful blend with an undercurrent of barely-bridled danger; a lady in leather and lace, a sleek panther at repose in a meadow. I feared the bergamot and mandarin might ruin CdR as citrus is my skin's nemesis, but the two are either nonexistent here or (more than likely) thankfully so well interwoven with the other notes that I can't make out their presence.

I have the current Exclusifs EDT, and so cannot compare to past formulations or the parfum, but I can imagine those are as beautiful if not more so. For an EDT sillage and longevity are quite long, and I only regret buying the smaller EDT. Ah well, more wiggle room in my budget to save for the parfum!

Aug 19 2011

alfarom

Ok, start to save your money now because you "NEED" to buy Cuir De Russie. This is absolutely fantastic and it's one of the richest, most lascivious and elegant leather scents around. Perfectly balanced to be at the same time wearable and " risky", it runs in that tiny, thin line between glory and precipice and it does it with an incredible awareness. Floral- animalic-leather at their best. Magistrally crafted, this is pure perfumery virtuosism. One of those scents that you encounter once every 100 years (i.e. Knize Ten). Buy it!

Cuir De Russie has been reformulated since 1924, but despite that, it's still one of the most luxurious and terrific iris/leather around. That's how reformulations should be!

Rating: 10/10

Jul 21 2011

scorpiosheep

Other reviews have covered all the bases. This is a most beautiful, smooth perfume and to me more gently spicy than leathery (thank goodness, after having experienced the brutal Cuir d'Iris by Parfumerie Generale). I cannot pick out any distinct floral notes so this is obviously a clever blend. This is quality in a bottle and next on the list for me to try is Sycomore. In the Exclusifs range though, IMO you cannot beat Coromandel. Chanel = class.

Jan 20 2011

sweetnspicey

I think this fragrance is so rich and luxurious. I definitely get that brand-new-leather smell, and it's heavenly. It's sultry, seductive, and smooth. Sillage is excellent (considering it's an EDT). The dry down smells like honey and incense. I want it, but the Chanel store only carries a 6.8 oz. bottle!

Jan 10 2011

guest_Pabs

I'm male and discovered this a few years ago. Its amazing that on a female it smells female and on a male its very male. I often get asked what's the amazing smell. Its exclusive enough to be confident you will be the only man in the room wearing it. The classic takes a bit of time to run in but you still get hints of it the next day. I've just bought the EDT 200ml and look forward to using it for a long time to come.

Nov 29 2010

missk

I was preparing myself for a strong leather scent, bigger and bolder than what I've previously tried. I was amazed to discover that this is a feminine and soft leather, nothing like Bandit by Robert Piguet or Cabochard by Gres.

This is leather with pretty floral and soapy nuances. I find nothing like what some have described; there's no animalistic qualities, (at least to my nose), no saltiness and no bitterness.

It almost smells inky to my nose, like a room filled with regal, black leather armchairs, big red cedar tables and ink-wells, with a vase filled with jasmine, ylang ylang and rose sitting near a window overlooking a courtyard.

I also don't get the masculine references, to me this particular scent is very feminine, pretty almost. I think it would work well in a casual atmosphere too.

I recommend Cuir de Russie as a leather scent for beginners, the perfect subtle leather before the transition into the bigger, harsher and stronger leather scents. Strange as it may sound, this fragrance is more romantic than dominatrix in my opinion. If you want sexual, animalistic leather try the men's department or douse yourself in Bandit.

Cuir de Russie has great lasting strength, however the sillage is extremely intimate and subtle, making it somewhat difficult to detect at times. All in all, a beautiful powdery and floral interpretation of a leather classic from Chanel.

Nov 01 2010

hathor

This has got to be one of the most outstanding amazing perfumes i've ever smelt. It's not particularly "girly", but then neither am i. it smells absolutely great on my BF too. i think it's got something timeless about it, when i smell it i've got no idea it's from the 1920's, although i believe it has been reformulated for the new collection of exclusifs. what i love about it is the clean soapiness of the topnote. when i was a kid we always had Cussons Imperial Leather soap in the house and it reminds me a little bit of that, with lovely warm leathery smokiness in the drydown. i first smelt it in the Gum in Moscow but didn't buy it till i got home to Amsterdam. but for me it's a memory of my lovely holiday in Russia. this is so special that i wonder why it ever disappeared from general sale. in short a wonderful, amazing, timeless classic with a sort of edgy attitude about it. Definitely here to stay in my collection. i haven't smelt any beef in it yet, but i'll keep looking!! This one did get the thumbs up from my cat, who has a very discerning taste in perfume!!

Jul 19 2010

sherapop

Chanel CUIR DE RUSSIE is a full-fledged leather perfume. No idea why they've placed it in the oriental floral category, as this creation opens as dark leather conditioned with something like railroad grease and evokes images in my mind of black leather whips and Catherine Deneuve's afternoon lover in "Belle du jour". Not a flowery fragrance at all!

In the drydown, CUIR DE RUSSIE becomes lighter, more akin to soft suede, but it takes a while to get there. In the meantime, this is a dark leathery, yes, large-bovine-animal-roaming-free-through-the-prairie kind of scent.

I definitely would not recommend this for your wedding, among other occasions. Perhaps CUIR DE RUSSIE would work well--and even seem feminine--at a rodeo or a bullfight.

Layered with a rose perfume along the lines of Guerlain ROSA MAGNIFICA, I imagine that CUIR DE RUSSIE could be very beautiful, but I do feel that, as this composition stands, the florals have been entirely overshadowed by the dark leather and railroad grease. CUIR DE RUSSIE might very well appeal to fellows who like to don Dior FAHRENHEIT...

Apr 22 2010

KJanicki

The smoothest richest softest leather ever! This is a pair of soft leather gloves, holding a bouquet of flowers with lots of jasmine, in a private library with glowing polished wood shelves and leather armchairs. After 8 hours it becomes a sweet vanilla, amber woody dream.

Feb 03 2010

NebraskaLovesScent

Eau de Bovine? Chanel Cuir de Russie is the "beefiest" leather scent I have sampled so far.

I like it, but it has a pronounced animalic aroma that doesn't exactly stink, but is not especially perfumey, either. I am surprised at the number of fruit and floral notes listed here, as my nose cannot smell any of them. This one comes across as fine, freshly tanned leather on my skin, with just a touch of meaty "beef jerky" scent. (Truly!)

It is 100% linear and stays close to the skin, with average persistence. I enjoy wearing it, but I save it for my days at home, as I can see how others might find this one a bit unpleasant.

Cuir de Russie is definitely unisex, as are most leather fragrances I have tried. It is one of the most unusual aromas in my collection and worth a try for fans of leather scents or unique perfumes.

(Please note: this review is for the new Les Exclusifs version of this scent, in EDT stregnth. I have not tried the "classic" version and can make no comparisons there.)

Oct 29 2009

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Les Exclusifs de Chanel Cuir de Russie by Chanel4.35
out of
5
based on
425 ratings and
75 user reviews

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